Gov. Paul LePage sent Christmas holiday and New Year's greetings to Mainers, saying this is a time for the family but also to remember troops serving around the world.

In his weekly radio address, LePage recalled visiting Arlington National Cemetery recently, an experience he called "humbling." He said the holidays are especially difficult for families with deployed loved ones, and he thanks them for their service.

In the Democratic response, state Sen. Colleen Lachowicz of Waterville said America experienced one of its biggest tragedies with last week's school shootings in Newtown, Conn.

Lachowicz said lawmakers looking for ways to make their communities safer must not be divided by politics. She said they must strengthen their resolve to address the real factors that led to that tragedy.